The Make-Shift ACMs
Leave it to quarantine to demand creativity and a change of plans at lightning fast speed. For what would have been the Academy of Country Music Awards for the 55th year in a row stood in its place a cultivation of country music community and creativity with some of country music’s biggest stars performing at-home songs.
The intimacy of acoustic performances at home far outshined the show of being on stage. Though the ACMs are welcomed fervently due to their inherent charm and timeless, traditional appeal, the “Our Country” special was a tasteful substitute considering the circumstances, and the heart, the point, and the pulse of why country music captivates its audience was made as clear as day.
Throughout the entirety of the show, the theme of community and connection, whether through the words of the artists or the songs they sung, was made clear, wholeheartedly and genuinely. Though the red carpet and the glitz and the glam is a perk of award shows, there was something exceptioanlly special about the artists in the comfort of their own homes wearing comfortable, casual clothing. The point of country music award shows is they celebrate music, but the point of tonight’s ACM Awards substitute was to reintroduce why we celebrate music— it brings family and the community together, and all of America saw it in every performance.
Keith Urban, who would have hosted the ACM Awards opened up the special as the first performer. He set the tone for what would be the theme of the entire night— family, as he recognized Nicole and daughters, and the community, as he recognized the first responders and healthcare workers and those who have come together to fight and withstand these uncertain times. He started with “Wasted Time,” about which he said seemed to portray a fresh meaning lately. Take it as you will. Appy it to your last three weeks. That’s the magic of country music.
The special started strong, but picked up momentum and caused intrigue fast. The next performance was a trio— Lady Antebellum— separately, together. Each was in their own setting with their kids crawling in their arms and making appearances in front of the camera, automatically circling back already to the connection theme of the night. The ACMs were truly a family show tonight.
Sprinkled throughout the show, CBS played honorable mention-like footage from ACMs performances from year’s past, like Carrie Underwood and Steven Tyler, or Luke Combs and Brooks & Dunn later on in the show.
Carrie Underwood stunned with a couchside version of “Drinking Alone.” It was a powerhouse performance set in such a subdued manner, what can’t she do? Following Carrie, another group performance took a creative approach to harmonies. Little Big Town performed a harrowingly beautiful rendition of “Next to You,” from their stairwells and studios. The song is off their latest album, Nightfall, and seemed to hit a particularly close-to-home chord, no pun intended, to the audience. Gayle King, the mediator and narrator of tonight’s performance, made mention of the fact that “all we need [right now] is a little harmony, and Little Big Town does it well.” Well said, Gayle King.
Tim McGraw was next in the bank of ‘Our Country.’ He performed Lori McKenna’s ‘Humble & Kind,’ which he put out and made famous in 2016. The song blew up 4 years ago because of it’s simple and ever-present appeal of living a life of love and kindness, but his performance tonight seemed to be a more poignant reminder. Each lyric screamed louder than I personally have ever heard it. He also wasn’t alone. McGraw had members of his band playing the song with him from their home, too. It was a team effort— again, the ever-developing theme of the Academy. His performance was flawless and simple, bringing back the importance of staying humble and kind.
Next on the plate was Shania Twain who won the best set up award. I may or may not come up with my own superlatives since the ACMs weren’t able to appropriately honor the artists. “And the Academy award for best set-up goes to…Shania Twain!” She was outside in her barn, seemingly at night, with her horse and dog on either side of her. Her dog was content, but her horse was giving her butterfly kisses the entire performance. I couldn’t help but wonder what her horses name is. Something extravagant, I’m sure. She dazzled in a tastefully oversized cowboy hat as only Shania can, and she performed two well-loved songs.
Old Dominion wasn’t quite a One Man Band, but they were pretty close. Matthew Ramsey, the lead vocalist, and Trevor Rosen, performed “Some People Do” in another living room scene. Following their performance, Eric Church came out of left field and re-entered the country music world boldly but humbly.
He performed a brand new song, perfectly fitting for times such as these. Before introducing the song, Church brought church to the people and gave an honest and hopeful testament to the times. He was wearing a beanie and regular glasses— not sunglasses. It was a rare but welcome and humane look for Church. He performed “Never Break Heart,” of which I can’t find the words to describe to I’m just going to leave this here:
Brad Paisley and Darius Rucker, from Nashville and Charleston, each performed a duet-mash-up take on Paisley’s “Mud on the Tires” and Rucker’s version of “Wagon Wheel” through FaceTime. Throughout the entirety of the show everyone was curious who each artist’s cameraperson was— their spouses? a bandmate? a professional? are they alone with their computer? In Paisley’s case, he acknowledged his “beautiful camerawoman" as his wife, Kimberly, who, of course made a brief cameo.
The following series of content were all just as noteworthy as what we’ve touched so far. Blake and Gwen swooned fireside with their latest duet “Nodboy But You” and naturally and playfully mixed up their words when trying to advise people to “stay safe.”
Say Stafe, everybody.
Thomas Rhett made everyone implode with his new song, “Be a Light.” It is a simple sentiment with an extravagant testament to how we are called to live everyday, but especially in dire time of need. The song shows Thomas Rhett’s simple charm and natural talent… I mean his shirt matches his curtains and he is in his home studio while he absolutely destroys (in the good way) “Be a Light.”
Following Thomas Rhett Brandi Carlile slayed a simple set sitting at piano, Luke Bryan took on the fitting “Most People are Good” and Luke Combs looked like he was at home in the honkytonks during his studio set of “Beautiful Crazy.”
Next, Miranda Lambert introduced her performance in a soft and genuine manner. She acknowledged the gratitude she felt for technology in maintaining— and growing— connection. She also showed gratitude for music in general as a healing power. Her set was simple— she was at home, outside on her farm in Tennessee with just her iPad and guitar. Of course, the Academy of Country Music, CBS, and everyone in between had a signficant role in creating beautiful, clear pictures and sound, the sweetness of simple sets from each artist felt like a show in itself.
Dierks Bentley performed “I Hold On” and acknowledged sorrow for those who have lost their jobs during this difficult time. Then, Kane Brown and John Legend performed a brand new duet, “Last Time I Say Sorry” over FaceTime. FGL’s Tyler and Brian were together with both their families together in their family room and were thankful for the nation coming together as one, and also, notably, for performing in sweats. They performed “Blessings.” Sheryl Crowe proved she still has all the goods. She set at her piano in what looked like a cabin with a fire roaring in the background. Her natural beauty and graceful voice shined through a elegant “I Shall Believe.”
And, finally, an honoring of Joe Diffie’s and Kenny Rogers’ life wrapped up the show respectfully. Lionel Richie gave a heartfelt accolade to his longtime friend, Kenny, ending the show with a clip of them performing “Lady”” together. As Richie put it, we “celebrate the music” and the lives that made it so special, and during these uncertain times we fall back on what we know— faith, community, and country music.
The make-shift Academy of Country Music Awards delivered far beyond my expectations, and I gather they did for most everyone else, too. I have strong respect for the Academy and the artists to join together to create a beautifully spontaneous and surrel experience for viewers at home in such a quick, pressured manner. Well done! And each artist picked their song with intention and purpose, whether brand new or old and seasoned, each chose a song pertitent to bringing folks together as country music does. We’ll see y’all in September for the real thing.
Cheers to Country Music
